The Wind and the Waves

Isn't it interesting how God shows up in the little details of life?  By reading my blog, you probably have ascertained that I'm going through some things in life that are difficult.  What I don't really talk about is my Weight Watchers Journey.  I don't talk about it with anyone, really, because its very difficult and there are a whole lot of emotions tied to my weight.  When I look in the mirror I see more than excess weight.  I see pain.  I see grief.  I see fear.  I see loss.  I see rejection. I see a whole lot of things in each particle of excess fat.  I did not get here easily.  It has been very costly.  One thing that is truly amazing about the current WW program is the meetings.  It's one thing to watch what you eat, but in the meetings they really dive into WHY we eat.  What is going on in our mind that we allow ourselves to do this?  Better still, how can we start using tools for living to make positive changes in our whole self?

The past several weeks have been especially difficult on me.  I'm finding that parenting adult children and being a mother-in-law is the hardest stage of parenting yet.  When our kids are young they need us so much.  And we need them.  We are integral parts of each others' lives.  And for a stay at home mom, often her kids are just about everything to them.  Life for the mom centers on loving our children and raising them to know they are loved, and capable.  Then they grow up.  They don't need us as much as they used to.....  But we still need them....And to mom, it was just yesterday that they came home from the hospital.  I mean I can still see in my mind's eye the first time we walked into our house with a baby carriage.  I knew this small person was going to change my entire world.  He already had.  Then as the days passed a piece of my heart started walking around.  But, every single thing he did brought me joy.  To see him struggle hurt me.  To see him grow grew me.  Letting him go to Sri Lanka 3 times took an emotional toll.  Watching him marry the love of his life- seeing him so happy- made the past 20 years flash before my eyes.

People don't talk about how hard this stage is.  We hear all about how difficult the toddler years are, and then we hear about how difficult the teen years are.  But no one really talks about young adult years.  This transition period where they branch out and start to figure out their own life.  And mom, who has been there for everything is suddenly not anymore.

They're supposed to do this.  They're supposed to move out.  They're supposed to go to college.  They're supposed to start making decisions, (even ones we disagree with).  They're supposed to separate from us.

As a parent, I understand and accept this part of life.  I want them to grow up and move out and be successful and happy in their lives.

But, I find myself wondering where I still fit in their lives.  Do I matter?  It's not that I want them tied down to me, or even want to tell them what to do.  I just want to still be able to watch them from the sidelines.  I want to still be part of their life.

Am I alone in this?

Part of my fear comes from my own broken relationship with my mom.  I know that relationships between parent and child can go south and even end.  I've experienced it.  I know how easy it is to get there.  I know the pain of this relationship in particular being broken.  So I hold on.  Maybe a little tighter than I should.  But I'm fearful.

And so, this week I let my fear take over again.

This past week has been especially difficult for me.  I am really struggling emotionally with lots of things.

So in my WW meeting after a particularly sleepless night they talked about the very thing I need to hear.  Letting go.  They talked about how when we have emotionally charged times we can think of it like the ocean.  The emotions are the waves.  If you're in the ocean, and the wave starts to build, at times it will pull you and sometimes even knock you down as it draws up and crashes over you, but then the water washes over you and you can stand strong again.  It's important to know as we are in the part of the wave that knocks us down that it will wash over and we'll be able to stand back up again.  I sat last night watching the waves at the beach thinking on this a lot as I tried to keep my emotions in check.

Then this morning I woke up and read my devotional in my Bible App....  Today's entry: The Wind and the Waves.

This is how God comforts us.  These are the things that He does every single day.  Things that, if we're not looking, we miss.  If I had missed my quiet time with Him this morning I would have missed this message from Him.  The message that He's there.  He's walking with me through this valley of pain.  When it feels like no one understands me, and I feel so very very alone, He is there.  He is there.  HE hasn't left me.  HE knows my feelings, and is still there. HE knows my emotions and doesn't shy away.  HE values me.  I don't have to fit in a box for Him.  I don't have to say the right things for Him.  I don't have to keep the appropriate amount of distance for Him.  I don't have to smile and act like everything is fine when it isn't for Him.  I can simply rest in Him.  I can just climb into His lap and cry.  And He is not burdened by it.  He will be there as the wave crashes over me.  Even if the wave takes people or things out to sea, He will remain with me.

Weight Loss Wednesday- Next Challenge

 

Ok, I did the Impact a Hero 5K over the weekend, and it was pretty hot again, so I had to walk a little, so my time wasn’t that good.  I’m disappointed, but trying to be real with myself about the fact that it is hot and it’s much more important to run a safe race.  I’ll keep training to work on personal bests this fall.  I’m still on track with my “one organized race a month” goal I set for myself, IAH was my June race.

Because it is getting so hot, for July I’m going to do something different, I’m going to only do a Virtual Race.  Normally I don’t count these for my goal, but it’s just so hot, I need to get out there earlier than the races are scheduled for.  So, since I’m only doing a Virtual Race I’m going to do the Hot Mama Virtual Half Marathon!  You can do it as a relay if you want, or break it into a couple of legs, but I’m going to do it all in one day.  I don’t know how much of it I am going to run, I think I’ll do a little running and probably a lot of walking.  You can sign up for free, or the medal division for $11.  The last day to register is June 8th, though, so if you are interested, you better get signed up!

I need to really work on my distance, and my cardio vascular endurance, so I’m starting a new training program that should help with that.  It’s the Training Program in The Beginning Runner’s Handbook:

 

Because I’ve been running for a while, I’m going to start at week 6.  I like, thought that is has me running longer periods of time.  I need to get up to a regular 5 miles I think, and I want to run a half marathon…..

On the WW front, I showed a gain last week, and it looks like I’ll show another one this week.  It is incredibly frustrating, but my body IS changing, and, thankfully, I can see the difference.  It’s funny, I started running to lose weight, and now I am kind of running because it makes me feel so good, regardless of what my weight is….  WEIRD LOL

Anyway, I still go to my meetings and I’m still tracking and working the program, I’m just trying not to get discouraged.  My body is going to fluctuate, and I need to work with it, not against it.  One thing is for sure, if I stop going to the meetings I’ll be in the kitchen with a crazed look on my face and a pan of brownies I refuse to share with anyone, including, but not limited to threatening bodily harm to anyone who comes near me…..

Weight Loss Wednesday- 1 5K Run, 1 to Go!

Ok, sorry I didn’t post WLW last week, I do want to let everyone know, though, that I did run the 5K all the way through!  Yay me!  I was exhausted, and hot, and had tunnel vision at the end, but I did it!  My finish time was 38:48 with a pace of 12:31/M.  I finished 286th out of 566 racers, so I wasn’t last!  LOL 

No, if you’re a runner, you know my time is pretty bad…  I run

s…l….o…..w… but I WAS running LOL.  I figure the more I run the more my pace will pick up.

I am scheduled to run another 5K this weekend.  Because I felt so terrible at the end of the Girls on the Run 5K I am going to allow myself walking breaks.  I think what I’m going to do is walk through the water stations and walk for a minute after 20 minutes of running, or at the 1/2 way point whichever I feel like would be the best.  While I want to run the whole thing through again, it’s really hot here in Houston, and I don’t want to make myself sick.  I think the responsible thing to do is to listen to myself during the race and walk.  I’ll run another one straight through this fall (I’ve set a goal to participate in at least 12 races this year), and I’ll try to beat my time then.  I let you know how it goes next week

Which brings me to my next subject.  I have been doing the Run/Walk 5K Training Program for the past 8 weeks and have found it to be very very helpful in keeping me on track and out there running.  Now that I’ve run my first 5K I’m trying to figure out what to train for next.  I know enough to know that if I don’t have a goal eventually I’ll just give up….  especially when I see myself in pictures and see how big I still am….  (my race picture was not forgiving….  fat flapping EVERYWHERE)……

Actually, it was worse on my race picture.  I’m going to order it, though, and pay the $6 because this was the first 5K I ran all the way through.  And that’s something to be proud of.  Besides, when I’m a Weight Watcher Leader I’ll need a picture to show everyone that shows how fat I used to be

I recently finished a few books I would recommend, Run Like a Mother: How to Get Moving--and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity which is a hilarious book written by two women about running and being moms... I liked it so much I almost bought Train Like a Mother: How to Get Across Any Finish Line - and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity, but then I actually WON a copy for completing a Virtual 5K! I can't wait to get started on it. The other book I read that I really liked was The Ultimate Beginner's Running Guide: The Key To Running Inspired because he really helps you to believe that you can succeed at running, and helps you remember why you want to do this crazy thing LOL

As soon as my Train Like a Mother: How to Get Across Any Finish Line - and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity gets here I’ll be choosing my next training program.  I’ll let you know what I choose

I find it kind of amusing, I recently told you about a blog that I’ve been reading, Runs for Cookies, and she just finished her first Marathon.  While these two things are SO. NOT. THE. SAME.  I find that I really related to her when she talked about getting back on a goal.  She also let her readers know about a contest from Under Armor, a chance to win a $50 gift card… You should go enter!  And then come show me your new duds and run with me

Weight Loss Wednesday- Just keep going…

Last week at my weigh in I surpassed the 30 pounds lost mark.  It’s been a long journey to get there and at other times in my life I might have given up before getting there.  Ironically the topic at the meeting that week was “Motivation to Keep Going”…  This actually tied in well to where my thoughts were that day.  I was so excited to hit 30 pounds, but I was also remembering my last milestone of 25 pounds.  I was really excited then too, but quickly fell off the excitement and “took a break”.  I didn’t stop going to my meetings.  I am proud of that.  And I didn’t stop weighing in, even though, for the most part it wasn’t totally pretty.

You see, when I rejoined Weight Watchers this time I decided that no matter what quitting was not an option.  There are many mantras that keep people going, and this is one that I use.  I know that I know that I know that the minute I decide to skip my weigh in this week, or take a couple of weeks off from meetings I will be out of control with my eating.  I know this about myself. 

So, just after my 25 pound mark I saw the holiday season staring at me.  I didn’t want to feel like I wasn’t able to enjoy the season.  And, right or wrong, the holiday season is a lot about food with me.  There are certain traditions like gingerbread houses and Christmas Cookies that I really wanted to do and I didn’t want to worry about it.  So, I decided that I would try to watch what I ate when I wasn’t doing something like that, or attending a party, and made the decision to try to maintain over the holidays. I don’t regret that decision, because it kept me in my meetings and kept me from really going over the edge.  The only regret I have is that it took me so long to get back on track.  The business of the holidays spilled over into the New Year and it took me until about a month or two ago to finally start going in the down direction on the scale consistently.  I really held on to the commitment I made to myself when I joined, though, and quitting was not an option.  The reality is I know the plan works, it’s just a matter of me deciding to stay focused and on track.

So, as I got my 5 pound star and reveled in being 30 pounds lighter than I was when I walked in the door to WW, I decided that this time I will continue to stay focused, and keep the momentum going over the summer.  And, I gave myself a pat on the back for seeing it through…. 

Here’s to running my first 5K this weekend, and here’s to seeing the reality of healthier living and goals achieved…  Next stop---- 40 pounds!!!!

Weight Loss Wednesday

Well, the reality of running my first 5K all the way through is here!  I’m scheduled to run a 5K on Sunday, May 20.  I’ve now walked several, and run/walked a couple, but this time my goal is to run the entire thing.  I’m currently on Week 7 of the Run/Walk 5K Training Program, and by the end of this week will be up to 30 minutes of continuous running. I really wasn’t sure I’d ever get here.  It has been quite the journey.  I have to say at this point I am beginning to enjoy running, and actually miss it when I am not able to get a run in in the morning.  It really seems to set up my whole day.  I’m in a better mood, and just generally feel better when I run in the morning.

And Guess what???  I got an added motivation at my weigh in at Weight Watchers this week!!!  I passed the 30 pounds lost mark!  If that doesn’t keep me going I don’t know what would!!! 

I am a member of Daily Mile and have been since I started walking last year.  I really love this website, because I am very visual.  I can look at my training in several different ways and it helps to motivate me.  You can also be friends with people on there and see what others are doing….  And, I’ve been looking over my training logs and it was very encouraging to me to see just a few short months ago I was running one minute intervals and posting that I felt “BLAH”….  I’m actually quite proud of myself for continuing after post after post of feeling “BLAH” after running….  Eventually I started putting that I felt “GOOD”… and now almost always it’s “GREAT”…..  Of course there are days when it’s not, but most days I really feel great after my runs   I’m really trying to get my husband running too….  So far I haven’t been successful, but I am still trying

Speaking of motivation, I want to direct you to a blog I’ve been reading.  A lot of the time when I’m running I feel like a big ball of fat with flailing arms and legs rolling down the trail…..  Nice visual, huh?  It’s taken some serious mental talk to get past that and just go.  One day I was playing around on the internet and I found this blog and it is very inspiring to me.  It’s called Runs for Cookies.   I love the title because it describes me LOL  I definitely eat my activity points LOL…  Anyway, she lost over 100 pounds running, and for me, it is motivating, because it really isn’t easy at all to run with extra weight.  I can’t wait to post before and after pictures like hers.  Check it out and tell me what you think! 

My last tidbit for you today is focus.  I know that when I’m focused on losing weight, I do.  When I’m focused on exercising, I do.  When I’m focused on cleaning the house, I do.  Figure out what your main objective is for the Month of May and put your focus on it.  See what kind of results we have…..

Have a great week

Weight Loss Wednesday-I’ve never thought of myself as a runner, but I’m beginning to…..

Wow, it’s been a while since I posted a WLW post.  Sorry!  This one has been in my brain for a while, but I’ve been so busy I just haven’t had the time to post.  I do have to say, though that it was a neat treat this morning to have a minute to get this post written, and read my last post on this subject.  I haven’t posted, but I haven’t stopped either!  I’ve made some major progress  

Since that post, I finished the 3 Weeks to a 30 Minute Running Habit, and have started on the “Run/Walk 5K Training Program”.  I’m on week 4, and I have to say I’m actually starting to believe I might be able to run the 5K I’m scheduled for in May!  It’s been a looooooong journey to get here.  I’d like to say I’ve lost a ton of weight, but I haven’t.  I’ve lost some, I’m finally knocking on the door to 30 pounds again (after my out of control holiday season), which is great, but it’s still slow coming off.  I think that’s just the way it is with me, and hopefully this will stick with me later when I think I can just do whatever and take it back off…..  It’s just not that easy.

It was really nice to read my last post on this subject, because it reminded me of just how far I’ve come, and it really hasn’t been that long.  If you are a person who reads my blog, and thinks, that’s great that she’s a runner, I want you to go back and read that post.  Let me be clear.  I have never before considered myself a runner, so I want to journal how I got to where I am and where I hope to be going. 

First, I started the first training program because I needed more activity points in less time.  It’s really about being lazy LOL.  I just don’t have the time to devote to an hour and a half long walk anymore.  I started looking a the points, and for my body size I was earning about 5 points for the 90 minute walk.  So, I wanted to try to earn those points faster, to get rid of the excuse of not enough time.  Well, I am earning about 7 points for a 30 minute run.  This equation works for me LOL.  That was my initial motivation.

Then I got started.  The first day of the program is a run/walk combination of 1 minute run, 1 minute walk 10 times.  Sound easy enough, right?  RIGHT….  I thought I was going to DIE.  Did I mention I’m not a runner?  I was in the Army, and really enjoyed it, but NEVER did I like the running part.  In fact, I really wanted to go to jump school, and could have, but didn’t.  You know why?  Because they run the entire school to strengthen up their legs and I didn’t want to run.  I wasn’t afraid of jumping out of airplanes, I was afraid of the running in the school.  How crazy is that????  I tell you this to get you to understand where I was with running.  As I completed those first couple of days of this training program I was reminded of why I had never enjoyed running before.  I was hot, sweaty, and starting to develop shin splints.  I started wondering if this was all one very bad idea.

But, I had committed to myself to finish the program.  When I started it, I told myself, no matter what, I will complete this 3 week program.  And, if, after I was done I still didn’t want to run, then I would move on to the next great idea   Well, the shin splints continued, and I got sick etc.  I ended up taking more like 5 weeks to complete the program, but I DID complete it.  I also have a walking/running buddy who is doing the Couch to 5K program, and watching her progress through her program has motivated me A LOT.  I have tried the C25K before, but it’s increments of increase were too much for me, and ended up making me feel like a failure in the end.  I knew I had to do something, but not that.  I walked/and ran a little bit of a 5K with this friend, and thought to myself, I just don’t think I will ever be able to run the whole thing….. 

I mentioned that at the beginning of the year I set a goal to participate in at least 3 organized events this year.  I have since adjusted that goal.  I want to strive for one a month.  I know there will be months that I don’t meet this goal, but I’m going to strive for it anyway.  I decided this when I walked/ran with my friend in the Heart for Katy 5K in February.  So far, we’re doing good.  I walked/ran (did what was on my training program for the day) in March at the Run for the Children.  This past weekend I walked the 5K Blue Bell Fun Run (it was a rest day on my training program).

I am scheduling myself for a 5K the weekend of May 19th, which will be when I finish the “Run/Walk 5K Training Program”. I did this on purpose to try to keep myself on task with the program and not have it take longer than 8 weeks.  I almost slipped when my whole family got food poisoning, but since it only calls for 3 days of training a week, I have been able to catch up.  I plan to RUN the entire 5K in May.  I say run, but it’s really more like a slow jog.  Whatever.  I’m not walking

I guess I have more than one post in my brain, so I’ll save some of what I have to say for next week.  Next week I’ll talk about tips for beginning runners, and how to stay motivated when you feel like you’ll never get there. 

Have a great week, and set a goal for yourself, commit to it, and never give up.

We want results, not reasons!

Weight Loss Wednesday- Getting Serious

It’s been a rough couple of weeks for me.  Heck, it’s been a rough couple of months!

One thing I’ve learned to be true, though I don’t want to admit it and I don’t like it, is, I HAVE to exercise to lose weight.  Period.  I will not lose weight if I don’t.  The thing about that is, I really don’t have extra time.  I was doing so well this Spring and Summer because I had the time.  I was walking 30 miles a week, 5 miles M-Th and 10 on Friday.  That equated to about 1 1/2 hours M-Th and 3 hours on Friday.  I enjoyed it.  I really did.  But then, school started back up again, the babies therapy schedules increased, and I found that I didn’t have time to do it.  (Even though I was walking from 6-7:30 am.)  Before I knew it weeks had passed with no walking.  Then months…  Then the weight started to come back on….  EVEN THOUGH I WAS WATCHING WHAT I WAS EATING….  Yes, I’ve been going over my points allowance, but that’s part of the problem.  I can’t seem to stay in my range, I NEED THE EXTRA ACTIVITY POINTS.

So, one of my goals for this year was to participate in at least 3 public events (5K’s etc).  I am signed up for one this weekend, I’ll be walking it, pushing a stroller with TWO babies..  That ought to earn me something, right?  LOL 

In addition, I want to RUN a 5K this year…  Now, I am NOT a runner.  I can walk and walk and walk…  But I have NO endurance for running…  But I’m going to give it a real go.  I’ve started a training program called 3 Weeks to a 30 Minute Running Habit.  I’m on day 3.  It is an interval training program, days 1 and 2 started with 1 minute of running/1 minute of walking 10 times.  Today is a rest day and it increases tomorrow.  The first day I wasn’t sure I was going to make it through all the cycles…  Yesterday was much easier and I almost think I’ll be able to make the 2 minute runs tomorrow LOL    I figure if I can make it through this program I’ll move to a 5K training program, and I am planning on running a 5K in May…..  I’m hoping this will kick start my weight loss too…

Weight Loss Wednesday- You’re going to Love Me!—Seriously… You Will!

Ok peeps…  You are so going to love me for this.  I mean really.  I love myself for this….  Many of you have tried my Green Smoothie and have told me how much you love it…

Well….  I have a new concoction…  MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP MILKSHAKE!!!  Oh my lick the blender…… 

What do you think about eating a Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake for breakfast and checking off your healthy oils for the day, 1 milk serving, 1 liquid, and 1 vegetable?  How’s that for starting the day off right? 

Looks good, huh?????

Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake
Serves 1, WW Points+ =5 pts
Fulfills 1 veg, 1 milk and 2 oils in Good Health Guidelines

Ingredients:
1 Cup COLD water (if you don’t have water in the fridge you can add a few extra ice cubes)
1 Cup Fresh Spinach
1 Packet WW Smoothie Mix
8 Ice Cubes
2 tsp Healthy Oil
1/8 tsp Peppermint Extract
3/4 TBS Mini Chocolate Chips

Directions:
Place everything except the chocolate chips in the blender in the order listed.  Blend well on Smoothie speed until well mixed with a smooth green color.  Fold in Chocolate Chips and serve!

*Note- the Recipe builder online puts this at 6 points, but that’s cause it sometimes adds extra points in there…  I figured with 2 points for the smoothie mix, 2 points for the oil, and 1 point for the chocolate chips.

*Also, if you don’t want to use your WW Smoothies on the kids (because they’re going to want one!) I’m sure you could use like an instant breakfast packet with similar results

Weight Loss Wednesday- Frustrated

I’m not going to lie.  I was frustrated when I weighed in on Monday.  I stayed within my points range for the first time since before Christmas, and I gained.  Not much, just .8, but still.     I know in my brain that often the results show up even 2 weeks after, so I’m trying not to let it bother me too much.  I wasn’t active last week, it was too cold, so no walking for me.  This week is looking to be much of the same, but I am trying to at least do my T-Tapp.  It’s the same problem.  My schedule is my worst enemy. 

I do have a few low point recipes on the menu this week, and I made an Apple Compote on Monday that was To.Die.For- and only 4 points!  I also need to get back into low point desserts, so that I don’t get frustrated with that and go crazy…..

• My goals for this week are:
• Stay within my points range again
• Aim for 14 activity points again
• Increase water intake
• Better journaling…  I may need to go back to paper- make a decision on that because indecision is as bad as not journaling at all
• Stay focused on my long range goal and how far I have come

That’s it for me this week!  Have a great week everyone!

Weight Loss Wednesday

Well, I got back on the stick this week, and as a result lost 2.2 pounds!  I still have 2 pounds to go to be to my “pre-Christmas” weight, and a few more pounds to be back under my all time lowest, which I was at in October.  I’m doing my best not to be frustrated with myself, because life happens.  My schedule had gotten completely out of control, and that was the main reason for my slipping.  It’s time to own it and move on. 

Here’s my tidbit that is helping me this week.  There is a book called, Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time, that is on the reading list of one of the other blogs I read.  It’s now on my reading list as well.  I had a sample sent to my Kindle, (which I love, by the way)and started reading it.  It begins with a story about someone eating a frog- you’ve got to read it yourself to understand, but the point is that if you eat your “frog”, your “frog” being your most difficult task, or least enjoyable task first thing, you’ll have a much more productive day overall.  I know this to be true with me, as exercise is definitely a “frog” for me.  So, I’m trying to commit to getting back to eating my frog first thing in the morning.  My schedule is still a bit out of control, and I haven’t figured out how to fix this, but I’m working on it.

With this, my weight loss/ healthy living goals for this week are:

• Stay within my points range for the week
• Earn at least 14 activity points
• Keep my caffeine intake down
• Drink at least 4 cups of water each day
• maximize my fruits and vegetables
• Write it BEFORE I bite it!

So, how do you manage to put yourself on the priority list?

Weight Loss Wednesday- The After Holiday Downer

If you’re missing Wordless Wednesday, have no fear!  I’ve reinstated my blog Pictures of Jello where I’ll be posting my photography , so be sure to go check it out

Wednesdays will now be Weight Loss Wednesday   I have a visual for you to keep in mind over the next week as you make eating choices.  I’m going to keep it at the forefront of my mind, considering I gained 4.2 pounds over Christmas.  Yes.  I was shocked too.  But, it is what it is, and all I can do is move on from here….    Here’s the visual:

Ugh.  Yuck.  Blech….  Wow.

If you feel like you’ve done all this work and “ONLY” lost 3 pounds, or 5 pounds, or 15 pounds…  where ever you are, visualize this in relation to what you’ve lost.  It might change your vocabulary and take the “ONLY” out!

Last week we had a substitute leader and she asked us to set a goal of where we want to be at Valentine’s Day on our journey.  Then we took out our weight trackers and on the back marked where we want to be on the graph.  I set a conservative goal of 10 pounds lighter by Valentines Day (7 weeks of weight loss).  This week I stayed the same, but I wasn’t surprised because of New Year’s Eve and the chocolate fountain

My goals for this week are:

• Get back on track with my water.  It’s hard when it’s cold…
• Get back on track with my fruits and veggies.  Also hard when it’s cold because I don’t want a smoothie…..
• Earn at least 14 activity points this week
• Stay within my points range for the week.  Haven’t done that for at least 2 weeks…

How about you?  What are your goals for this week?

Menu Monday- 12/12

Well, my first week on Points Plus 2012 has been interesting.  I left my target at 26 for the week, and at weeks end I was over my points again by a bit.  It’s very difficult right now because of the parties.  We had THREE parties this week, and I’m pretty convinced it’s kind of impossible to stay within range with that many.  If I had only one party this week I would have been fine.  Also working against me was the fact that I got the flu or a really bad cold at the beginning of the week, so very little exercise happened.  But, one thing we talked a little about in our meeting last week was figuring out your goal for December, and mine is basically to maintain.  If I lose a little I’ll be happy, but I am trying to be realistic.  I’m trying to focus on doing good the days I DON’T have parties.

This week I did try a new recipe off the WW site, Chicken and Crab Gumbo, and it was SO good!  It was super easy, and I highly recommend it!

This week is a lot better, the main problems WW wise for me are baking 42 cupcakes for the boys’ class parties, and our trip to the Polar Express.  Things will start to wind down after this week, and I am very much looking forward to it.  This momma has been on overdrive for too long!

So, with all of that said, here’s the menu for this week:

Monday:  Chicken with Scallion Sauce, Cauliflower Cheese Soup

Tuesday:  Taco Soup 

Wednesday:  Snack Dinner

Thursday:  Polar Express

Friday:  Pizza

Saturday:  Beef Enchiladas, Fruit

Sunday:  Fish Tacos